How to make an exact copy of hard drive?  | | | 
February 23rd, 2006, 07:09 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 178
| How to make an exact copy of hard drive?
Hi
I want to replace the 40gig HD in my office pc with an 80gig, and was wondering if there is anyway of just transferring an exact copy to the new drive, and then just replacing the old one with the new?
There is only one drive in the pc, partitioned for OS and general files.
Thanks!
Shaun | 
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February 23rd, 2006, 07:29 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gateshead U.K.
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Norton Ghost and Acronis True Image are two options. Google them. | |
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February 23rd, 2006, 07:30 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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February 23rd, 2006, 07:30 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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There are two way s you can do it. First, you can buy a disk imaging program like Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image. With these you can make an exact copy of your hard drive than transfer the image to your new drive. Second, you can use the software that comes with the new drive to transfer the data to the new drive. You will need to buy a retail version to get the software or you can download it from the drive manufacturer's website if you buy an OEM drive. I like to use the first method because I believe it is safer. | 
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February 23rd, 2006, 09:00 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Just out of curiosity...Why not just add the 2nd hard drive as a slave and utilize both hard drives together? Unless the 40GB hard drive is fixin' to die on you.
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February 23rd, 2006, 09:17 AM
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#6 (permalink)
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I love Western Digital's data lifeguard tools... It made it so easy to copy drives, format drives and rearrange drive letters. It's an excellent set of utilities.
BUT, that's if it's a Western Digital hard drive. 
I've used Ghost, and it's a great program as well. I've ghosted about 4 drives with it and have never had an issue. Just be sure that the NEW drive you are copying to is FORMATTED first! | |
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February 24th, 2006, 01:12 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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February 24th, 2006, 01:25 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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Hi
I would use it as a slave, but the PC is a mini one and only has room for one HD, so I'll just do a swap.
Shaun | |
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February 24th, 2006, 02:24 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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| http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm
This program is FREE and works mo' betta than the free programs that the disk manufacturer will give you. But it is a bit slow.
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February 24th, 2006, 05:39 AM
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#10 (permalink)
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I use Acronis TrueImage. IMO it is superior to Ghost. Good news is that you can download a fully functional 30 day trial from www.acronis.com
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